2025 California State Parks Foundation Photo Contest Winners

Every year, we’re reminded just how many ways there are to fall in love with California’s state parks. From golden beaches to historical architecture, your photos captured the magic, emotion, and connection that make these places unforgettable.

The 2025 California State Parks Foundation Photo Contest drew thousands of stunning submissions from park lovers across the state. Whether it was a perfectly timed sunrise, a playful moment in the dunes, or a quiet look at local wildlife, every photo told a story worth celebrating.

We’re so grateful to everyone who participated and shared their creativity. Together, you’ve helped us highlight what makes our state parks truly extraordinary.

Now, meet this year’s winners, five breathtaking photos that showcase the beauty, diversity, and spirit of California’s state parks: 

Category: Scenic Landscapes

Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve

Winner: Patrick Rodden (Modesto, CA)

This category captures the natural beauty of state parks across all seasons.

“Every year, just like the migrating birds, I return to Mono Lake. Its beauty is only outweighed by its size and its importance to the greater ecosystem of the Great Basin. To see it unfold as you drive over Tioga Pass is something special that leaves an imprint on your heart and mind. There’s nothing so strange and magnificent as a massive lake in a desert.” - Patrick Rodden

Category: Wildlife & Nature 

Morro Bay State Park 

Winner: Wes Bracken (San Luis Obispo, CA)

This category captures the flora, fauna, and ecosystems in state parks. 

"I spent thirty minutes crouched in the sand, hiding behind a log, hoping this deer would reappear. Patience paid off, and with little time to react, I managed to capture this magical moment.” - Wes Bracken

Category: Recreation & Activities 

Mount Diablo State Park 

Winner: Andrew Aldrich

(Corrected from the originally announced winner whose image did not meet eligibility.)

This category captures hiking, camping, surfing, and more in state parks. 

Update on the Recreation & Activities Category
After announcing this year’s Photo Contest winners, we were notified that the originally selected winner for the Recreation & Activities category was taken just outside of a California State Park’s boundary, within an adjacent national forest. Because all entries must be photographed within a California State Park to be eligible, this photo did not meet the contest requirements. We sincerely apologize for this oversight and appreciate the community member who brought this to our attention.  

Previous winner: Brian Filoteo, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park 
We have kept the original selection in this post to honor the photographer’s work and transparency in our process, while noting its ineligibility. 

Category: People in Parks 

Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area

Winner: Tami Fandrei (Sacramento, CA) 

This category captures people enjoying parks responsibly and sustainably.

“What started as a friends’ road trip with only a campsite planned, we stumbled upon the beauty of Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area at sunset. Our adventures lead us to some of the most unexpected places. This photo is the perfect representation of each of our personalities.” - Tami Fandrei 

Category: California History 

Hearst San Simeon State Park 

Winner: Brittany Oravets (Paso Robles, CA)

This category captures historic sites, places, and cultural heritage in parks.

“The scene caught my eye due to the contrast of the simplicity of the old school house and horse paired with Hearst Castle glimmering in the golden hour light. We had just come from a tour of the castle where everything was ornate and larger than life, but from the base of the hill, the castle looked so small tucked away in the trees. My husband, brother and I all stopped to admire this view and I wanted to capture this shot as a reminder of the moment together.” - Brittany Oravets

Honorable Mentions:

Photo #1: Malakoff Diggins State Park by Alex Bylsma for California History; Photo #2: Hollister Hills Vehicular Recreation Area by Clint Cam for Activities & Recreation; Photo #3: Bodie State Historic Park by Dominic Villasenor for California History; Photo #4: Mount San Jacinto State Park by Angela Kenny for Scenic Landscapes; Photo #5: China Camp State Park by Grace Halliday for Wildlife and Nature; Photo #6: Donner Memorial State Park by Robin Whitmore for Scenic Landscapes; Photo #7: Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve by Paul Dye for Wildlife & Nature; Photo #8: Mount Tamalpais State Park by Rupali Bakshi for People in Parks; Photo #9: Sonoma Coast State Park by Jerry Dodrill for People in Parks

Thank you for celebrating California’s state parks 

To everyone who submitted a photo this year, thank you for sharing these precious moments with us. Whether you ventured out on a solo hike, explored a new park with friends and family, or paused to capture a fleeting moment of wildlife, your photos remind us why these places matter. 

Together, they reveal how state parks are more than destinations. They are living classrooms, sanctuaries, and sources of inspiration. By sharing your perspective, you have helped inspire others to experience, protect, and cherish our parks for generations to come. 

Keep the inspiration going 

We’ll be featuring these stunning images and many more from this year’s contest in our upcoming 2027 California State Parks Foundation calendar. It’s a year-long reminder of the beauty and wonder your photos captured, and of the shared responsibility we all have to protect these landscapes for the future. 

When you become a member, you’ll receive your own calendar and help support ongoing work to restore habitats, maintain trails, and ensure that everyone can experience the joy of California’s state parks. 

Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @calparks and on Bluesky at @californiaparks to see more of the winning photos, stories from our community, and to stay in the loop for the next photo contests.